The Wrong Side of the Bed

“I fell off the wrong side of the bed,” my six year old nephew said, explaining his mood to his mom. "Hmm," I thought with a smile as she relayed this misquoted cliché to family around the table. “I can use this!” I exclaimed. My brother frowned and said, “How?” Not being a fan of my blogspot yet, he brushed off my explanation. But my mind was racing. Little Dalton’s version was not only cute but oh how true it can be. We can get up on the wrong side of the bed, choosing to go about our day being a grump because something is bothering us, we didn’t sleep well, or... whatever. Or, we can fall off the side of the bed, not expecting what hits us as the day goes on; no electricity or hot water as we get ready for work (Jen), a delayed flight (I’m sitting at the Columbus airport waiting for the weather to clear as I write this), or ...you name it. Regardless if I get up or fall off the wrong side of the bed (or the right side of the bed, for that matter) I can trust that God is working on me, refining me, and all will be well if I continue to look to Him and not my surroundings and circumstances. Thanks, Dalton!

I wish I could say that my aunt’s funeral went well. I guess, as funerals go, it was okay. She looked beautiful, much like her mother, the most beautiful person I ever knew. There were the usual words of condolences, hugs, and greetings for and from people I hadn’t seen in a long time. But there was definitely some tension in the room. As I walked out of the funeral home, I prayed that God would heal the anger and resentments that were obviously hindering the true comfort of loved ones gathered together there. Climbing in beside my brother in the front seat of his new Bronco, I was suddenly overwhelmed with sadness and began to cry. I was quickly reminded; however, that our awesome God truly answers prayers if we will only notice it. He even works through little children. As I sobbed, my nine year old niece, Shelby, leaned over from the back seat and ever so gently started patting my arm. My anxiety began to subside immediately and hope returned. God was already at work! Thanks, Shel!

Thank you to my in-laws for the transportation to and from the airport, for the delicious ham and potato salad, for the use of your warm and comfortable spare bed, and for putting up with my endless coughing. Love you!

Psalm 66:10b Thou hast refined us as silver is refined.

Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, "Let the little children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."